Em Text - A History of the Fleet Prison, London

Explore the dark and complex history of one of England's oldest and most famous institutions. A History of the Fleet Prison, London: The Anatomy of the Fleet provides a detailed look at the realities of this privately-owned debtors' prison. This work traces the institution's evolution from its medieval origins through centuries of administrative change and public scrutiny. Readers will learn about the celebrated inquiry into prison administration during the 1610s and the subsequent misuse of authority by wardens starting in the 1680s. The text examines the infamous Parliamentary inquiry of 1729, utilizing primary sources such as parliamentary reports and trial papers to reconstruct the truth behind the prison's operations. This book is an essential resource for those interested in social sciences, criminology, and the history of the English legal system. It covers the entire lifespan of the prison, concluding with its eventual closure by parliamentary legislation in 1842. Gain a deep understanding of how this notorious site functioned and its impact on London society.